Hart district closes gap on deficit

School district still $11 million short of three-year budget goal

The William S. Hart Union High School District has already come up with $13 million of its expected $24 million deficit for the next three years, district officials said Wednesday.

The board approved a chunk of the savings Wednesday by transferring $4,269,477 from categorical programs to the general fund for a three-year period.

The transfers came from eight programs that include an art and music block grant, a school and library improvement grant and Regional Occupational Program funding, said Sue Guthrie, the district's chief financial officer.

The transfer will have a "moderate" impact on student education, she said.

The remaining $10 million shortfall will most likely come from negotiations with bargaining units, which are continuing between the district and group representatives, Guthrie said.

On Friday, the district mailed 96 pink slips to teachers and counselors based on seniority.

By 8:30 p.m., the board had yet to appoint nine members of the Measure SA oversight committee. Committee members would receive updates and provide feedback to the district about the Measure SA bond projects.